The Following Synopsis

The FBI estimates there are currently over 300 active serial killers in the United States. What would happen if these killers had a way of communicating and connecting with each other? What if they were able to work together and form alliances across the country? What if one brilliant psychotic serial killer was able to bring them all together and activate a following? Welcome to The Following, the terrifying new thriller from creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson (“The Vampire Diaries,” “Dawson’s Creek,” the “Scream” franchise). When notorious serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy, “Rome”) escapes from death row and embarks on a new killing spree, the FBI calls former agent Ryan Hardy (Emmy-nominated actor Kevin Bacon, “X-Men: First Class”) to consult on the case. Having since withdrawn from the public eye, Hardy was responsible for Carroll’s capture nine years ago, after Carroll murdered 14 female students on the Virginia college campus where he taught literature. Hardy is a walking textbook of all-things Carroll. He knows him better than anyone; he is perhaps Carroll’s only psychological and intellectual match. But the Ryan Hardy who broke the Carroll case years ago isn’t the same man today. Wounded both physically and mentally by his previous pursuit of this serial killer, it’s been a long time since Hardy has been in the field. This investigation is his redemption, his call to action. In contrast to nine years ago, Hardy isn’t calling the shots on this case. He works closely with an FBI team, which includes all-business and tough-as-nails Jennifer Mason (Jeananne Goossen, “The Vow,” ALCATRAZ) and young, razor-sharp MIKE WESTON (Shawn Ashmore, “X-Men”).

The team considers Hardy to be more of a liability than an asset. But Hardy proves his worth when he uncovers that Carroll was covertly communicating with a network of killers in the outside world. It quickly becomes obvious that he has more planned than just a prison escape, and there’s no telling how many additional killers are out there. The FBI’s investigation leads Hardy to Claire Matthews (Natalie Zea, “Justified”), Carroll’s ex-wife and mother of the criminal’s 10-year-old son, Joey (newcomer Kyle Catlett). Close during Hardy’s initial investigation, Hardy turns to Claire for insight into Carroll’s next move. The tension rises when Carroll’s accomplices kidnap his intended last victim from nine years ago. Hardy becomes ever more determined to end Carroll’s game when he realizes that this psychopath intends to finish what he started. The thriller will follow Hardy and the FBI as they are challenged with the ever-growing web of murder around them, masterminded by the devious Carroll, who dreams of writing a novel with Hardy as his protagonist. The reinvigorated Hardy will get a second chance to capture Carroll, as he’s faced with not one but a cult of serial killers.

Latest 'The Following' News

Comic-Con: The Following Season 3 Will Be a Complete Reboot

Fans in Hall H were shown an alternate ending of The Following Season 2 finale, where Joe Carroll was shot, at Comic-Con today.

07.27.2014

Brian Gallagher

Family Guy Meets The Simpsons in 7 Fox Comic-Con Posters

Fox promotes its upcoming Comic-Con 2014 presence with The Following and Bones promo art, along with its big Family Guy meets The Simpsons event.

07.15.2014

Brian Gallagher

TV Guide Debuts 8 Comic-Con Covers with Supernatural, Gotham and The Flash

TV Guide has partnered with Warner Bros. TV for a series of covers featuring Constantine, Arrow and more.

07.11.2014

B. Alan Orange

The Following: First Look at the Season 2 Finale!

Ryan Hardy and Joe Carroll must work together to save the ones they love in this epic conclusion, airing Monday, April 28, only on Fox.

04.23.2014

B. Alan Orange

The Following Season 2 First Look Featurette

A brutal subway murder sets the tone for this new season. Plus, stars Kevin Bacon and Shawn Ashmore offer more details about their returning characters.

01.03.2014

Brian Gallagher

Two The Following Season 2 Trailers

Ryan Hardy seeks revenge on Joe Carroll in the upcoming season of the hit drama. New episodes are coming this January on Fox.

10.24.2013

Harout Harmanian

COMIC-CON 2013: James Purefoy Will Return for The Following Season 2

The actor who played serial killer and dangerous cult leader Joe Carroll was presumed to be dead at the end of Season 1.

07.19.2013

Brian Gallagher

The Following Mid Season Promo Art with Kevin Bacon

FBI agent Ryan Harder continues his search for the elusive killer Joe Carroll in tonight's episode 'Welcome Home," airing at 9 PM ET on Fox.

03.11.2013

Brian Gallagher

The Following Renewed for Season 2 on Fox

Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy star in this hit drama series about a former FBI agent trying to stop a dangerous killer and his followers.

03.04.2013

Brian Gallagher

The Following Behind-the-Scenes Featurette with Kevin Bacon

Get an inside look at Fox's upcoming thriller featuring commentary from Creator Kevin Williamson.

01.07.2013

Harout Harmanian

The Following Trailer and Promo Art

Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy star in this thrilling Fox series about a former FBI agent trying to track down a serial killer.

11.09.2012

Brian Gallagher

Fox 2012-2013 New Series Trailers

Get your first look at Ben and Kate, The Following, The Goodwin Games, The Mindy Project, and The Mob Doctor before they debut on Fox.

05.14.2012

Brian Gallagher